Home  Blog  Record-Breaking Free Fall from Space Br... 

Record-Breaking Free Fall from Space Breaks TV, Live Streaming Records

October 17, 2012
By Greg Franzese

Felix Baumgartner didn't just break the record for the highest skydive in history. While free falling from the edge of space -- and even breaking the sound barrier -- he also set a new record for the most viewers watching a live event on YouTube. 

More than 8 million people tuned in online to the two-hour stream of Red Bull Stratos over the weekend, in which Baumgartner was lifted to 128,100 feet. The fall itself lasted only 10 minutes, and he reached speeds of 834 miles per hour. A fair amount of anticipation led up to the dive, after a first attempt last week was aborted due to strong winds. 
 
Though YouTube didn't specify what stream held the old record, a spokesman said the Summer Olympics was one of the most-viewed live events before the skydive, with about half a million people watching. 
 
On the TV side of things, Discovery's live airing of the daredevil feat also set a record for non-primetime programming with an audience of 7.6 million.
 
No doubt, this is a big event for Baumgartner, sponsor Red Bull and of course YouTube.
 
(Missed it the first time? Experience the event from Baumgartner's eyes.)
 

 

Posted in Online Video News
Tags online video, live streaming, tv ratings
Previous Entry Next Entry

Related Posts

Will London be the Most Social Olympics Ever?
Online Video Revenue to Reach $4 Billion in 5 Years
Facebook Lost 5 Million Video Viewers in August

Leave a Comment

Sign up for VideoMind Weekly Updates

Latest Tweets

© 2013 Ooyala, Inc. • Website Privacy Policy • Terms of Service • All Rights Reserved